Systems for managing reservoir chamber pressure

ABSTRACT

Systems for managing pressure in a fluid reservoir chamber of a fluid infusion device are provided. For example, a fluid infusion device comprises a housing having a chamber for receiving a fluid reservoir. The fluid infusion device also comprises a drive system contained within the housing. A portion of the drive system is movable for dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The fluid infusion device comprises a pressure management system at least partially defined in the portion of the drive system to vent air from the chamber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally tofluid infusion devices for delivering a medication fluid to the body ofa user. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate tosystems for managing pressure in a fluid reservoir chamber of a fluidinfusion device.

BACKGROUND

Certain diseases or conditions may be treated, according to modernmedical techniques, by delivering a medication or other substance to thebody of a user, either in a continuous manner or at particular times ortime intervals within an overall time period. For example, diabetes iscommonly treated by delivering defined amounts of insulin to the user atappropriate times. Some common modes of providing insulin therapy to auser include delivery of insulin through manually operated syringes andinsulin pens. Other modern systems employ programmable fluid infusiondevices (e.g., insulin pumps) to deliver controlled amounts of insulinto a user.

A fluid infusion device suitable for use as an insulin pump may berealized as an external device or an implantable device, which issurgically implanted into the body of the user. External fluid infusiondevices include devices designed for use in a generally stationarylocation (for example, in a hospital or clinic), and devices configuredfor ambulatory or portable use (to be carried by a user). External fluidinfusion devices may establish a fluid flow path from a fluid reservoirto the patient via, for example, a suitable hollow tubing. Generally, inorder to advance fluid from the fluid reservoir, a pressure is appliedto the fluid to direct the fluid out of the reservoir and through thehollow tubing.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems for managing pressure ina fluid reservoir chamber of a fluid infusion device. Furthermore, otherdesirable features and characteristics will become apparent from thesubsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technicalfield and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a fluid infusion device is provided. The fluidinfusion device comprises a housing having a chamber for receiving afluid reservoir. The fluid infusion device also comprises a drive systemcontained within the housing. A portion of the drive system is movablefor dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The fluid infusion devicecomprises a pressure management system at least partially defined in theportion of the drive system to vent air from the chamber.

According to one embodiment, a fluid infusion device is also provided.The fluid infusion device comprises a housing having a chamber and afluid reservoir contained within the chamber of the housing. The fluidinfusion device also comprises a connector body coupled to the housingand the fluid reservoir to define a fluid flow path out of the housing.The connector body includes one or more vents to vent air from thechamber. The fluid infusion device comprises a drive system containedwithin the housing and coupled to the fluid reservoir. The drive systemincludes a slide movable relative to the fluid reservoir to dispensefluid from the fluid reservoir. The fluid infusion device furthercomprises a pressure management system at least partially defined in theportion of the drive system to vent air from the chamber.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbersrefer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluidinfusion device according to various teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 1A is a top view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1,taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a drive system of the fluidinfusion device of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a drive system of the fluidinfusion device of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a drive system of the fluidinfusion device of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a detail view taken from FIG. 2 of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a detail view taken from FIG. 6 of the exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detail cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector bodyof the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a first position;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a second position;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a first position;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a second position;

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a first position; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressuremanagement system for use with the fluid infusion device of FIG. 1, inwhich the pressure management system is in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or theapplication and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word“exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily tobe construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and“below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”,“outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientationand/or location of portions of the component within a consistent butarbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the component underdiscussion. Such terminology may include the words specificallymentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical termsreferring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context.

The following description relates to a fluid infusion device of the typeused to treat a medical condition of a user. The infusion device can beused for infusing fluid into the body of a user. The non-limitingexamples described below relate to a medical device used to treatdiabetes (more specifically, an insulin pump), although embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Accordingly, theinfused medication fluid is insulin in certain embodiments. Inalternative embodiments, however, many other fluids may be administeredthrough infusion such as, but not limited to, disease treatments, drugsto treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications,anti-cancer treatments, medications, vitamins, hormones, or the like.For the sake of brevity, conventional features and characteristicsrelated to infusion system operation, insulin pump and/or infusion setoperation, fluid reservoirs, and fluid syringes may not be described indetail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or related pump drivesystems used to administer insulin and other medications may be of thetype described in, but not limited to: U.S. Patent Publication Nos.2009/0299290 and 2008/0269687; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408;4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,505,709; 5,097,122; 6,485,465; 6,554,798;6,558,351; 6,659,980; 6,752,787; 6,817,990; 6,932,584; 7,621,893;7,828,764; and 7,905,868; which are each incorporated by referenceherein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluidinfusion device 100, and FIG. 1A is a top view of the fluid infusiondevice 100. The fluid infusion device 100 is designed to be carried orworn by the patient. The fluid infusion device 100 may leverage a numberof conventional features, components, elements, and characteristics ofexisting fluid infusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device100 may incorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/orcharacteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, therelevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

With reference to FIG. 1, the fluid infusion device 100 includes a userinterface 102 and a display 104 coupled to a housing 106. The userinterface 102 includes one or more user input devices, such as buttons,which can be activated by the user. The user interface 102 can be usedto administer a bolus of insulin, to change therapy settings, to changeuser preferences, to select display features, and the like. Although notrequired, the illustrated embodiment of the fluid infusion device 100includes the display 104. The display 104 can be used to present varioustypes of information or data to the user, such as, without limitation:the current glucose level of the patient; the time; a graph or chart ofthe patient's glucose level versus time; device status indicators; etc.In some embodiments, the display 104 is realized as a touch screendisplay element and, therefore, the display 104 also serves as a userinterface component.

With reference to FIG. 2, the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device100 accommodates a power supply 110, a controller 112, a drive system114, a seal 116, a fluid reservoir system 118 and a secondary pressuremanagement system 120. Generally, the power supply 110, the controller112, the drive system 114 and the seal 116 are accommodated in a pumpchamber 106 a defined by the housing 106, and the fluid reservoir system118 is accommodated in a reservoir chamber 106 b defined by the housing106. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the pressuremanagement system 120 enables air from within the reservoir chamber 106b to be vented into the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106. Byventing the air within the reservoir chamber 106 b into the pump chamber106 a of the housing 106, the pressure increases within the reservoirchamber 106 b can be minimized, as will be discussed.

The power supply 110 is any suitable device for supplying the fluidinfusion device 100 with power, including, but not limited to, abattery. In one example, the power supply 110 can be removable relativeto the housing 106, however, the power supply 110 can be fixed withinthe housing 106. The controller 112 is in communication with the userinterface 102, display 104, power supply 110 and drive system 114. Thecontroller 112 controls the operation of the fluid infusion device 100based on patient specific operating parameters. For example, thecontroller 112 controls the supply of power from the power supply 110 tothe drive system 114 to activate the drive system 114 to dispense fluidfrom the fluid reservoir system 118. Further detail regarding thecontrol of the fluid infusion device 100 can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of which was previouslyincorporated herein by reference.

The drive system 114 cooperates with the fluid reservoir system 118 todispense the fluid from the fluid reservoir system 118. In one example,the drive system 114 includes a motor 122, a gear box 124, a drive screw126 and a slide 128. The motor 122 receives power from the power supply110. In one example, the motor 122 is an electric motor. The motor 122includes an output shaft 130, which is coupled to the gear box 124. Inone embodiment, the gear box 124 is a reduction gear box. The gear box124 includes an output shaft 132, which is coupled to the drive screw126.

The drive screw 126 includes a generally cylindrical distal portion 134and a generally cylindrical proximal portion 136. The distal portion 134has a diameter, which can be larger than a diameter of the proximalportion 136. The distal portion 134 includes a plurality of threads 138.The threads 138 are generally formed about an exterior circumference ofthe distal portion 134. The proximal portion 136 is generallyunthreaded, and can be sized to be received within a portion of theslide 128. Thus, the proximal portion 136 can serve to align the drivescrew 126 within the slide 128 during assembly, for example.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the slide 128 is substantiallycylindrical and includes a distal slide end 140, a proximal slide end142 and a plurality of threads 144. The distal slide end 140 is adjacentto the motor 122 when the slide 128 is in a first, fully retractedposition and the proximal slide end 142 is adjacent to the drive screw126 when the slide 128 is in the first, fully retracted position. Theproximal slide end 142 includes a projection 146 and a shoulder 147,which cooperate with the fluid reservoir system 118 to dispense thefluid from the fluid reservoir system 118. In one example, theprojection 146 can have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of aremainder of the slide 128. It should be noted that the use of theprojection 146 is merely exemplary, as the slide 128 need not include aprojection 146 such that the proximal slide end 142 can be flat orplanar. The shoulder 147 is defined adjacent to the projection 146 andcontacts a portion of the fluid reservoir system 118 to dispense fluidfrom the fluid reservoir system 118, as will be discussed in greaterdetail herein.

The plurality of threads 144 of the slide 128 are formed along aninterior surface 128 a of the slide 128 between the distal slide end 140and the proximal slide end 142. Generally, the threads 144 do not extendinto the projection 146 of the proximal slide end 142. The threads 144are formed so as to threadably engage the threads 138 of the drive screw126. Thus, the rotation of the drive screw 126 causes the lineartranslation of the slide 128.

In this regard, the slide 128 is generally sized such that in a first,retracted position, the motor 122, the gear box 124 and the drive screw126 are substantially surrounded by the slide 128. The slide 128 ismovable to a second, fully extended position through the operation ofthe motor 122. The slide 128 is also movable to a plurality of positionsbetween the first, retracted position and the second, fully extendedposition via the operation of the motor 122. Generally, the operation ofthe motor 122 rotates the output shaft 130, which is coupled to the gearbox 124. The gear box 124 reduces the torque output by the motor 122,and the output shaft 132 of the gear box 124 rotates the drive screw126, which moves along the threads 144 formed within the slide 128. Themovement or rotation of the drive screw 126 relative to the slide 128causes the movement or linear translation of the slide 128 within thehousing 106. The advancement of the slide 128 into a portion of thefluid reservoir system 118 causes the fluid reservoir system 118 todispense fluid.

With reference to FIG. 3, the slide 128 also includes one or more airconduits 148, which are defined along an exterior surface 128 b of theslide 128. Generally, the air conduits 148 are defined so as to bespaced apart along the exterior surface 128 b from the distal slide end140 to the proximal slide end 142 and to be spaced apart about aperimeter or circumference of the slide 128. Thus, the air conduits 148generally extend along a longitudinal axis L of the slide 128. In theexample of FIG. 3, the air conduits 148 comprise cylindrical depressionsor dimples defined in the exterior surface 128 b, however, the airconduits 148 can have any desired shape that facilitates air flow out ofthe fluid reservoir system 118 as will be discussed in greater detailherein. It should also be noted that although the air conduits 148 areillustrated herein as comprising discrete dimples defined in theexterior surface 128 b, the air conduits 148 may be defined about thecircumference of the slide 128 if desired. Further, while eight airconduits 148 are illustrated herein, it should be noted that the slide128 can include any number of air conduits 148, including a single airconduit 148. In addition, it should be noted that the spacing andlocation of the air conduits 148 on the exterior surface 128 b is merelyexemplary, as the air conduits 148 may be defined in the exteriorsurface 128 b at any desired location.

In one example, with reference to FIG. 4, the slide 128 includes one ormore air conduits 148 a, which are defined along an exterior surface 128b of the slide 128. In this example, the air conduits 148 a are definedas horizontal slots having a greatest width in a direction perpendicularto the longitudinal axis L. The air conduits 148 a are spaced apartalong the exterior surface 128 b of the slide 128 from the distal slideend 140 to the proximal slide end 142. It should also be noted thatalthough the air conduits 148 a are illustrated herein as comprisingdiscrete slots defined in the exterior surface 128 b, the air conduits148 a may be defined about the circumference of the slide 128 ifdesired. In addition, while eight air conduits 148 a are illustratedherein, it should be noted that the slide 128 can include any number ofair conduits 148 a, including a single air conduit 148 a. Further, itshould be noted that the spacing and location of the air conduits 148 aon the exterior surface 128 b is merely exemplary, as the air conduits148 a may be defined in the exterior surface 128 b at any desiredlocation.

In one example, with reference to FIG. 5, the slide 128 includes one ormore air conduits 148 b, which are defined along an exterior surface 128b of the slide 128. In this example, the air conduits 148 b are definedas vertical slots having a greatest width in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis L. The air conduits 148 b are spaced apart along theexterior surface 128 b of the slide 128 from the distal slide end 140 tothe proximal slide end 142. It should also be noted that although theair conduits 148 b are illustrated herein as comprising discrete slotsdefined in the exterior surface 128 b, the air conduits 148 b may bedefined about the circumference of the slide 128 if desired. Inaddition, while eight air conduits 148 b are illustrated herein, itshould be noted that the slide 128 can include any number of airconduits 148 b, including a single air conduit 148 b. Further, it shouldbe noted that the spacing and location of the air conduits 148 b on theexterior surface 128 b is merely exemplary, as the air conduits 148 bmay be defined in the exterior surface 128 b at any desired location.

With reference to FIG. 2, the seal 116 is disposed adjacent to the slide128 and the reservoir chamber 106 b. The seal 116 serves to separate thepump chamber 106 a of the housing 106 from the reservoir chamber 106 bto prevent the ingress of fluids to the motor 122, the gear box 124 andthe drive screw 126 of the drive system 114. Generally, the seal 116 ispositioned circumferentially about the slide 128 and defines an opening150 through which the slide 128 can move. In one example, with referenceto FIG. 6, the seal 116 cooperates with the slide 128 to define thepressure management system 120.

In this regard, as the slide 128 moves relative to the seal 116 andadvances into the fluid reservoir system 118, one or more of the airconduits 148 are exposed to enable air from the fluid reservoir system118 to pass through the one or more air conduits 148 into the housing106. In other words, with reference to FIG. 7, as the opening 150 of theseal 116 is generally sized to be substantially similar to the size ofthe circumference of the slide 128, and the air conduits 148 are formedas recesses within the exterior surface 128 b of the slide 128, a gap orpassage 152 is formed between the seal 116 and the slide 128 when theair conduit 148 is adjacent to the seal 116. Thus, the cooperationbetween the seal 116 and the air conduits 148 of the slide 128 serves tovent air from the reservoir chamber 106 b, thereby managing or reducingpressure in the fluid reservoir system 118.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the fluid reservoir system 118 is shown.The fluid reservoir system 118 includes a reservoir cap or connectorbody 154 and a fluid reservoir 156. The connector body 154 creates afluid path from the fluid reservoir 156 to the body of the patient. Inone exemplary embodiment, the connector body 154 is removably coupled tothe housing 106, through any suitable technique, such as threads,press-fitting, etc. Generally, the connector body 154 is suitably sizedand configured to accommodate the replacement of fluid reservoirs 156(which are typically disposable) as needed. A sealing member, such as anO-ring 157 may be coupled between the connector body 154 and thereservoir chamber 106 b to prevent the ingress of fluids into thereservoir chamber 106 b of the housing 106.

In one example, the connector body 154 accommodates the fluid path fromthe fluid reservoir 156 to a tube 158. The tube 158 represents the fluidflow path that couples the fluid reservoir 156 to an infusion unit thatcouples the tube 158 to the patient (not shown). In one example, thetube 158 is coupled to the fluid reservoir 156 via a connector needle160, which is coupled to the connector body 154 and pierces a septum 162associated with the fluid reservoir 156. It should be noted, however,that any suitable technique could be employed to create a fluid pathfrom the fluid reservoir 156 to the patient, and thus, this embodimentis merely exemplary.

With reference to FIG. 8, the connector body 154 may also include one ormore vents 164 and a membrane 166. The one or more vents 164 also enableair to vent out of the reservoir chamber 106 b. In this example, the oneor more vents 164 enable air to vent into the environment. The one ormore vents 164 act as a primary pressure management system for the fluidinfusion device 100, and thus, the one or more vents 164 and thepressure management system 120 cooperate to manage pressure within thereservoir chamber 106 b. The membrane 166 is generally a hydrophobicmembrane, and allows air to pass through the vents 164 while preventingthe ingress of fluids, such as water, into the fluid reservoir system118.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the fluid reservoir 156 includes a bodyor barrel 170 and a stopper 172. The barrel 170 has a first or distalbarrel end 174 and a second or proximal barrel end 176. Fluid F isretained within the barrel 170 between the distal barrel end 174 and theproximal barrel end 176. The distal barrel end 174 is positionedadjacent to the slide 128 when the fluid reservoir 156 is assembled inthe housing 106. Generally, the distal barrel end 174 can have an openperimeter or can be circumferentially open such that the slide 128 isreceivable within the barrel 170 through the distal barrel end 174. Theproximal barrel end 176 defines a port 176 a, which receives theconnector needle 160 to define the fluid path. The proximal barrel end176 can have any desirable size and shape configured to mate with atleast a portion of the connector body 154.

The stopper 172 is disposed within the barrel 170. The stopper 172 ismovable within and relative to the barrel 170 to dispense fluid from thefluid reservoir 156. When the barrel 170 is full of fluid, the stopper172 is adjacent to the distal barrel end 174, and the stopper 172 ismovable to a position adjacent to the proximal barrel end 176 to emptythe fluid from the fluid reservoir 156. In one example, the stopper 172is substantially cylindrical, and includes a distal stopper end 178, aproximal stopper end 180, at least one friction element 182 and acounterbore 184 defined from the distal stopper end 178 to the proximalstopper end 180.

The distal stopper end 178 is open about a perimeter of the distalstopper end 178, and thus, is generally circumferentially open. Theproximal stopper end 180 is closed about a perimeter of the proximalstopper end 180 and is generally circumferentially closed. The proximalstopper end 180 includes a slightly conical external surface, however,the proximal stopper end 180 can be flat, convex, etc. The at least onefriction element 182 is coupled to the stopper 172 about an exteriorsurface 172 a of the stopper 172. In one example, the at least onefriction element 182 comprises two friction elements, which include, butare not limited to, O-rings. The friction elements 182 are coupled tocircumferential grooves 186 defined in the exterior surface 172 a of thestopper 172.

The counterbore 184 receives the projection 146 of the slide 128 and themovement of the slide 128 causes the shoulder 147 of the slide 128 tocontact and move the stopper 172. In one example, the counterbore 184includes threads 188, however, the projection 146 of the slide 128 isnot threadably engaged with the stopper 172. Thus, the threads 188illustrated herein are merely exemplary.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, with the housing 106 assembled withthe power supply 110, the controller 112 and the drive system 114, thefluid reservoir system 118 can be coupled to the housing 106. In oneexample, a full fluid reservoir 156 is inserted into the reservoirchamber 106 b of the housing 106 such that the stopper 172 is adjacentto the projection 146 of the slide 128. As the drive screw 126 rotates,the slide 128 translates linearly. The advancement of the slide 128decreases an available volume of the reservoir chamber 106 b, whichresults in an increase in pressure in the reservoir chamber 106 b.

As the pressure increases in the reservoir chamber 106 b, in mostinstances, the pressure is relieved through the vents 164 of theconnector body 154 (FIG. 8). In certain instances, for example, due toan obstruction of one or more of the vents 164, the pressure is relievedby the pressure management system 120. In this regard, as the slide 128moves past the seal 116, the air conduits 148 enable pressure to berelieved by venting the air out of the reservoir chamber 106 b into thepump chamber 106 a of the housing 106 (FIG. 2). Thus, the pressuremanagement system 120 manages the pressure within the reservoir chamber106 b by enabling the venting of air from the reservoir chamber 106 binto the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106 through the air conduits148.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a pressure management system 220 is shown.As the pressure management system 220 can be used with the fluidinfusion device 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only thepressure management system 220 will be discussed in detail herein.

In this example, the pressure management system 220 is defined in aslide 228 for use with the fluid infusion device 100. The slide 228 issubstantially cylindrical and includes the distal slide end 140, aproximal slide end 242 and the plurality of threads 144. The proximalslide end 242 includes a projection 246, which cooperates with the fluidreservoir system 118 to dispense the fluid from the fluid reservoirsystem 118. In one example, the projection 246 can have a diameter thatis smaller than a diameter of a remainder of the slide 228.

The pressure management system 220 is defined on the projection 246 ofthe slide 228. In one example, the pressure management system 220comprises one or more bores 248, which are defined in and through anuppermost surface 246 a of the projection 246. The bores 248 may bedefined through the uppermost surface 246 a in any desired pattern, andin one example, may be defined through the uppermost surface 246 a so asto be spaced apart from or inward from an outer circumference of theuppermost surface 246 a. In addition, it should be noted that whilethree bores 248 are illustrated herein, the pressure management system220 can include any number of bores 248. The bores 248 can have anydesired size or diameter, and the size or diameter may be varied amongstthe bores 248 to enable tuning of the pressure management system 220 tothe desired air flow rate. Moreover, while the bores 248 are illustratedherein as being cylindrical or with a circular perimeter, the bores 248can have any desired polygonal shape, such as triangular or pentagonal,for example. It should be noted that the use of the projection 246 ismerely exemplary, as the slide 228 need not include the projection 246such that the proximal slide end 242 can be flat or planar, with thepressure management system 220 defined through the flat or planar end.Further, while the bores 248 are illustrated and described herein asbeing defined in the slide 228, the bores 248 may be defined at anydesirable location to enable venting of the fluid reservoir 156, forexample, the bores 248 may be defined in and through the seal 116. Thus,the location of the bores 248 is merely exemplary.

As discussed above, with the slide 228 assembled within the fluidinfusion device 100, in order to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir156, the drive screw 126 rotates and the slide 228 translates linearlyto move the stopper 172 (FIG. 2). The advancement of the slide 228 andthe stopper 172 within the fluid reservoir 156 increases the pressure inthe reservoir chamber 106 b.

As the pressure increases in the reservoir chamber 106 b, in mostinstances, the pressure is relieved through the vents 164 of theconnector body 154 (FIG. 8). In certain instances, for example, due toan obstruction or one or more of the vents 164, the pressure is relievedby the pressure management system 220. In this regard, the bores 248formed in the uppermost surface 246 a of the slide 228 enable pressureto be relieved by venting the air out of the reservoir chamber 106 binto the slide 228, and out of the slide 228 into the pump chamber 106 aof the housing 106. Thus, the pressure management system 220 manages thepressure within the reservoir chamber 106 b by enabling the venting ofair from the reservoir chamber 106 b through the bores 248 and into thepump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.

With reference to FIG. 10, a pressure management system 320 is shown. Asthe pressure management system 320 can be used with the fluid infusiondevice 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only the pressuremanagement system 320 will be discussed in detail herein. Further, asthe pressure management system 320 can be similar to the pressuremanagement system 220 described with regard to FIG. 9, the samereference numerals will be employed to denote the same or similarcomponents.

In this example, the pressure management system 320 is defined in aslide 328 for use with the fluid infusion device 100. The slide 328 issubstantially cylindrical and includes the distal slide end 140, aproximal slide end 342 and the plurality of threads 144. The proximalslide end 342 includes a projection 346, which cooperates with the fluidreservoir system 118 to dispense the fluid from the fluid reservoirsystem 118. In one example, the projection 346 can have a diameter thatis smaller than a diameter of a remainder of the slide 328.

The pressure management system 320 is defined on the projection 346 ofthe slide 328. In one example, the pressure management system 320comprises one or more bores 348 and a membrane 350. In this example, theprojection 346 includes an annular counterbore 352 defined in aproximalmost surface 346 a. It should be noted that the use of theprojection 346 is merely exemplary, as the slide 328 need not includethe projection 346 such that the proximal slide end 342 can be flat orplanar, with the annular counterbore 352 defined through the flat orplanar end.

The bores 348 are defined in and through a surface 352 a of the annularcounterbore 352. The bores 348 may be defined through the surface 352 ain any desired pattern, and in one example, may be defined through thesurface 352 a so as to be spaced apart from or inward from a perimeteror circumference of the annular counterbore 352. In addition, it shouldbe noted that while a single bore 348 is illustrated herein, thepressure management system 320 can include any number of bores 348. Thebore 348 can have any desired size or diameter, and the size or diametermay be varied to enable tuning of the pressure management system 320 tothe desired air flow rate. Moreover, while the bore 348 is illustratedherein as being cylindrical or with a circular perimeter, the bore 348can have any desired polygonal shape, such as triangular or pentagonal,for example.

The membrane 350 is coupled to the annular counterbore 352. In oneexample, the membrane 350 is coupled to the annular counterbore 352 soas to substantially cover the surface 352 a, and thus, the one or morebores 348. The membrane 350 is coupled to the annular counterbore 352through any suitable technique, including, but not limited to,ultrasonic welding of the membrane 350 to the surface 352 a. Generally,the membrane 350 is hydrophobic, such that air may pass through themembrane, but fluid, such as water, does not.

With the slide 328 assembled within the fluid infusion device 100, inorder to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir 156, the drive screw126 rotates, the slide 328 translates linearly. The advancement of theslide 328 decreases the volume of the reservoir chamber 106 b, which mayresult in an increase in the pressure in the reservoir chamber 106 b. Asthe pressure increases in the reservoir chamber 106 b, in mostinstances, the pressure is relieved through the vents 164 of theconnector body 154 (FIG. 8). In certain instances, the pressure isrelieved by the pressure management system 320. In this regard, the bore348 formed in the surface 352 a of the slide 328 enables pressure to berelieved by venting the air out of the reservoir chamber 106 b into theslide 328, and out of the slide 328 into the pump chamber 106 a of thehousing 106. The membrane 350 enables the air to pass through the bore348, but prevents the passage of fluid, such as water, through the bore348. Thus, the pressure management system 320 manages the pressurewithin the reservoir chamber 106 b by enabling the venting of air fromthe reservoir chamber 106 b through the bore 348, while preventing theingress of fluid, such as water, through the bore 348.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a pressure management system 420 isshown. As the pressure management system 420 can be used with the fluidinfusion device 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only thepressure management system 420 will be discussed in detail herein.

In this example, the pressure management system 420 is defined in aportion of the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device 100. Forexample, the pressure management system 420 is defined in a reservoirchamber 422 of the housing 106 that receives the fluid reservoir 156 ofthe fluid reservoir system 118 (FIG. 2). The pressure management system420 comprises one or more bores 448, which are defined in and through awall 422 a of the reservoir chamber 422 of the housing 106. The bores448 may be defined through the wall 422 a in any desired pattern, and inone example, may be defined through the wall 422 a of the reservoirchamber 422 such that a centerline C of each bore 448 is substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal axis L2 of the reservoir chamber 422. Thebores 448 may be arranged such that the bores 448 extend along thelongitudinal axis L2 of the reservoir chamber 422, however, it should benoted that this arrangement of bores 448 is merely exemplary, as thebores 448 may be arranged offset from each other. A first end 448 a ofeach of the bores 448 is in communication with the reservoir chamber422. An opposite, second end 448 b of each of the bores 448 is incommunication with the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106 to vent theair from the bores 448 into the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.

In addition, it should be noted that while five bores 448 areillustrated herein, the pressure management system 420 can include anynumber of bores 448. The bores 448 can have any desired size ordiameter, and the size or diameter may be varied amongst the bores 448to enable tuning of the pressure management system 420 to the desiredair flow rate. Moreover, while the bores 448 are illustrated herein asbeing cylindrical or with a circular perimeter, the bores 448 can haveany desired polygonal shape, such as triangular or pentagonal, forexample. Further, while the bores 448 are illustrated and describedherein as being defined in the wall 422 a, the bores 448 may be definedat any desirable location to within the reservoir chamber 422 to enableventing of the reservoir chamber 422. Thus, the location of the bores448 is merely exemplary.

With the fluid reservoir 156 received in the reservoir chamber 422, asthe drive screw 126 rotates, a slide 428 translates linearly. As theslide 428 can be substantially similar to the slide 128 but without theone or more air conduits 148, the slide 428 will not be discussed ingreat detail herein. The advancement of the slide 428 decreases thevolume of the reservoir chamber 422, which may result in an increase inthe pressure in the reservoir chamber 422. As the pressure increases inthe reservoir chamber 422, in most instances, the pressure is relievedthrough the vents 164 of the connector body 154 (FIG. 8). In certaininstances, the pressure is relieved by the pressure management system420. In this regard, the bores 448 formed in the wall 422 a of thereservoir chamber 422 of the housing 106 enable pressure to be relievedby venting the air out of the reservoir chamber 422 into the pumpchamber 106 a of the housing 106. Thus, the pressure management system420 manages the pressure within the reservoir chamber 422 by enablingthe venting of air from the reservoir chamber 422 through the bores 448and into the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.

With reference to FIG. 12, a pressure management system 520 is shown. Asthe pressure management system 520 can be used with the fluid infusiondevice 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only the pressuremanagement system 520 will be discussed in detail herein. Further, asthe pressure management system 520 can be similar to the pressuremanagement system 420 described with regard to FIG. 11, the samereference numerals will be employed to denote the same or similarcomponents.

In the example of FIG. 12, the pressure management system 520 is definedin a portion of the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device 100. Forexample, the pressure management system 520 is defined in the reservoirchamber 422 of the housing 106 that receives the fluid reservoir 156 ofthe fluid reservoir system 118 (FIG. 2). The pressure management system520 comprises the one or more bores 448, which are defined in andthrough the wall 422 a of the reservoir chamber 422 of the housing 106and a membrane 522. The bores 448 are in communication with thereservoir chamber 422 and the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.Thus, the bores 448 enable air to be vented out of the reservoir chamber422 through the bores 448 and into the pump chamber 106 a of the housing106 external from the reservoir chamber 422.

The membrane 522 is coupled to the wall 422 a of the reservoir chamber422. In one example, the membrane 522 is coupled to the wall 422 a so asto substantially cover the bores 448. Thus, the membrane 522 in thisexample is coupled to the wall 422 a on a side of the wall substantiallyopposite a side of the wall in contact with the fluid reservoir 156. Themembrane 522 is coupled to the wall 422 a through any suitabletechnique, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding. In theexample of ultrasonic welding, a weld 524 extends between the membrane522 and the wall 422 a about a perimeter of the membrane 522. Generally,the membrane 522 is hydrophobic, such that air may pass through themembrane, but fluid, such as water, does not.

With the fluid reservoir 156 received in the reservoir chamber 422, asthe drive screw 126 rotates, the slide 428 translates linearly. Theadvancement of the slide 428 decreases the volume of the reservoirchamber 422, which may result in an increase in the pressure in thereservoir chamber 422. As the pressure increases in the reservoirchamber 422, in most instances, the pressure is relieved through thevents 164 of the connector body 154 (FIG. 8). In certain instances, thepressure is relieved by the pressure management system 520. In thisregard, the bores 448 formed in the wall 422 a of the reservoir chamber422 of the housing 106 enable pressure to be relieved by venting the airout of the reservoir chamber 422, through the bores 448, and into thepump chamber 106 a of the housing 106. The membrane 522 enables the airto pass through the bores 448, but prevents the passage of fluid, suchas water, through the bores 448. Thus, the pressure management system520 manages the pressure within the fluid reservoir system 118 byenabling the venting of air from the reservoir chamber 422 through thebores 448, while preventing the ingress of fluid, such as water, intothe bores 448.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a pressure management system 620 isshown. As the pressure management system 620 can be used with the fluidinfusion device 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only thepressure management system 620 will be discussed in detail herein.

In this example, the pressure management system 620 is defined in aportion of the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device 100. Forexample, the pressure management system 620 is defined in a reservoirchamber 622 of the housing 106 that receives the fluid reservoir 156 ofthe fluid reservoir system 118 (FIG. 2). The pressure management system620 comprises an expandable member 624.

In one example, the expandable member 624 is defined as a portion of awall 622 a of the reservoir chamber 622, which has a thickness T, whichis less than a thickness T2 and a thickness T3 of the remainder of thewall 622 a. The reduced thickness T of the expandable member 624 enablesthe expandable member 624 to move or flex from a first, relaxed position(FIG. 13) to a second, expanded position (FIG. 14) to relieve pressurein the reservoir chamber 622. In other words, the expandable member 624bulges outwardly from the remainder of the reservoir chamber 622, in adirection substantially opposite the fluid reservoir 156, to increase anavailable volume within the reservoir chamber 622. By increasing theavailable volume within the reservoir chamber 622, the pressure in thereservoir chamber 622 from the advancement of the slide 128 in the fluidreservoir 156 is reduced. Generally, the expandable member 624 extendsover only a portion of the wall 622 a, however, the expandable member624 can extend over the entirety of the wall 622 a, if desired. Inaddition, it should be noted that the expandable member 624 may becomposed of the same material as a remainder of the wall 622 a, or maybe composed of a different, elastic material, in order to furtherincrease the ability of the expandable member 624 to expand. Thus, theexpandable member 624 illustrated herein is merely exemplary.

With the fluid reservoir 156 received in the reservoir chamber 622, asthe drive screw 126 rotates, the slide 428 translates linearly. Theadvancement of the slide 428 decreases the volume of the reservoirchamber 622, which may result in an increase in the pressure in thereservoir chamber 622. As the pressure increases, in most instances, thepressure is relieved through the vents 164 of the connector body 154(FIG. 8). In certain instances, the expandable member 624 moves from thefirst, relaxed position (FIG. 13) to the second, expanded position (FIG.14) to increase the volume within the reservoir chamber 622 to relievethe pressure. By increasing the volume within the reservoir chamber 622,the pressure within the reservoir chamber 622 decreases. Thus, thepressure management system 620 manages the pressure within the fluidreservoir system 118 by increasing the volume within the reservoirchamber 622.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a pressure management system 720 isshown. As the pressure management system 720 can be used with the fluidinfusion device 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only thepressure management system 720 will be discussed in detail herein.

In this example, the pressure management system 720 is coupled to aportion of the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device 100. Forexample, the pressure management system 720 is coupled to a reservoirchamber 722 of the housing 106 that receives the fluid reservoir 156 ofthe fluid reservoir system 118 (FIG. 2). The pressure management system720 comprises one or more bores 748 and a valve 750.

The one or more bores 748 are defined in and through a wall 722 a of thereservoir chamber 722. The bores 748 may be defined through the wall 722a in any desired pattern, and in one example, may be defined through thewall 722 a of the reservoir chamber 722 such that a centerline of eachbore 748 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L2 of thereservoir chamber 722. The bores 748 may be arranged such that the bores748 extend along the longitudinal axis L2 of the reservoir chamber 722,however, it should be noted that this arrangement of bores 748 is merelyexemplary, as the bores 748 may be arranged offset from each other. Inaddition, it should be noted that while two bores 748 are illustratedherein, the pressure management system 720 can include any number ofbores 748. The bores 748 can have any desired size or diameter, and thesize or diameter may be varied amongst the bores 748 to enable tuning ofthe pressure management system 720 to the desired air flow rate.Moreover, while the bores 748 are illustrated herein as beingcylindrical or with a circular perimeter, the bores 748 can have anydesired polygonal shape, such as triangular or pentagonal, for example.Further, while the bores 748 are illustrated and described herein asbeing defined in the wall 722 a, the bores 748 may be defined at anydesirable location to within the reservoir chamber 722 to enable ventingof the reservoir chamber 722. Thus, the location of the bores 748 ismerely exemplary. A first end 748 a of each of the bores 748 is incommunication with the reservoir chamber 722 and an opposite, second end748 b of each of the bores 748 is in communication with the valve 750.

The valve 750 includes a valve seat 752, a valve stem 754 and a valveseal 756. In one example, the valve 750 comprises a check valve, but thevalve 750 can comprise any suitable one-way valve, such as an umbrellavalve or duckbill valve. The valve seat 752 is coupled to the wall 722 aon a side of the wall 722 a opposite the side of the wall 722 a thatcontacts the fluid reservoir 156 when the fluid reservoir 156 isreceived in the reservoir chamber 722. The valve seat 752 may be coupledto the wall 722 a through any suitable technique, such as ultrasonicwelding, for example. The valve seat 752 defines one or more bores 758.Generally, the valve seat 752 defines substantially the same number ofbores 758 as the number of bores 748. Thus, in this example, the valveseat 752 includes two bores 758. The bores 758 are defined in the valveseat 752 such that a centerline of a respective one of the bores 758 iscoaxial with the centerline of a respective one of the bores 748 toenable communication between the bores 758 of the valve seat 752 and thebores 748. Generally, the second end 748 b of each of the bores 748 isin communication with the respective one of the bores 758 to define anairflow path.

The valve stem 754 is coupled to the wall 722 a. In one example, thevalve stem 754 is fixedly coupled to the wall 722 a such that the valvestem 754 does not interfere with or contact the fluid reservoir 156 whenthe fluid reservoir 156 is installed in the chamber 722. Thus, the valvestem 754 may be flush with the side of the wall 722 a that contacts thefluid reservoir 156.

The valve seal 756 is coupled to the valve stem 754. The valve seal 756is sized and shaped to seal the bores 758 of the valve seat 752.Generally, the valve seal 756 is composed of a resilient material suchthat the valve seal 756 is movable between a first, closed position(FIG. 15) and a second, opened position (FIG. 16) upon the pressure inthe reservoir chamber 722 reaching a predefined pressure threshold. Inthe first, closed position, the valve seal 756 is sealing against thebores 758 and thereby blocking the airflow path created by the bores 748and the bores 758 of the valve seat 752. In the second, opened position,the valve seal 756 is spaced apart from or deflected from the valve seat752 such that the airflow path created by the bores 748 and bores 758 ofthe valve seat 752 is opened, allowing venting of air from the reservoirchamber 722 into the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.

With the fluid reservoir 156 received in the reservoir chamber 722, asthe drive screw 126 rotates, the slide 428 translates linearly. Theadvancement of the slide 428 decreases the volume of the reservoirchamber 722, which may result in an increase in the pressure in thereservoir chamber 722. Once the pressure reaches the predefined pressurethreshold, the valve seal 756 moves from the first, closed position(FIG. 15) to the second, opened position (FIG. 16) to open the airflowpath created by the bores 748 and bores 758 of the valve seat 752 tovent the reservoir chamber 722. Once the pressure in the reservoirchamber 722 drops below the predefined pressure threshold, the valveseal 756 moves from the second, opened position (FIG. 16) to the first,closed position (FIG. 15). Thus, the pressure management system 720manages the pressure within the reservoir chamber 722 by enabling theventing of air from the reservoir chamber 722 through the bores 748 andbores 758 once the pressure in the reservoir chamber 722 reaches thepredefined pressure threshold. Generally, the predefined pressurethreshold is less than a static pressure necessary to move the stopper172 within the fluid reservoir 156.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a pressure management system 820 isshown. As the pressure management system 820 can be used with the fluidinfusion device 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, only thepressure management system 820 will be discussed in detail herein.

In this example, the pressure management system 820 is coupled to aportion of the housing 106 of the fluid infusion device 100. Forexample, the pressure management system 820 is coupled to a chamber 822of the housing 106 that receives the fluid reservoir 156 of the fluidreservoir system 118 (FIG. 2). The pressure management system 820comprises one or more bores 848 and a valve 850.

The one or more bores 848 are defined in and through a wall 822 a of thereservoir chamber 822. In this example, a single bore 848 is definedthrough the wall 822 a, however, any number of bores 848 may be definedin the wall 822 a in any desired pattern. The bore 848 is definedthrough the wall 822 a of the reservoir chamber 822 such that acenterline of the bore 848 is substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis L2 of the reservoir chamber 822. The bore 848 can have any desiredsize or diameter, and while the bore 848 is illustrated herein as beingcylindrical or with a circular perimeter, the bore 848 can have anydesired polygonal shape, such as triangular or pentagonal, for example.Further, while the bore 848 is illustrated and described herein as beingdefined in the wall 822 a, the one or more bores 848 may be defined atany desirable location to within the reservoir chamber 822 to enableventing of the reservoir chamber 822. Thus, the location of the bore 848is merely exemplary. A first end 848 a of the bore 848 is incommunication with the fluid reservoir 156 when installed in thereservoir chamber 822 and an opposite, second end 848 b of the bore 848is in communication with the valve 850.

The valve 850 includes a valve seat 852, a valve stem 854 and a biasingmember 856. The valve seat 852 is coupled to the wall 822 a on a side ofthe wall 822 a opposite the side of the wall 822 a that contacts thefluid reservoir 156 when the fluid reservoir 156 is received in thereservoir chamber 822. The valve seat 852 may be coupled to the wall 822a through any suitable technique, such as ultrasonic welding, forexample. The valve seat 852 is composed of any suitable material, and inone example, is composed of an elastomeric material. The valve seat 852defines one or more bores 858. Generally, the valve seat 852 definessubstantially the same number of bores 858 as the number of bores 848.Thus, in this example, the valve seat 852 includes one bore 858. Thebore 858 is defined in the valve seat 852 such that a centerline of thebore 858 is coaxial with the centerline of the bore 848 to enablecommunication between the bore 858 of the valve seat 852 and the bore848. Generally, the second end 848 b of the bore 848 is in communicationwith the bore 858 to define an airflow path. The bore 858 is shaped toreceive the valve stem 854. In one example, a first end 858 a of thebore 858 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of a second end 858b of the bore 858. Thus, in this example, the bore 858 tapers from thesecond end 858 b to the first end 858 a to conform with the shape of thevalve stem 854.

The valve stem 854 is received in the valve seat 852. In one example,the valve stem 854 is a spherical ball, however, the valve stem 854 canhave any desired shape that cooperates with the valve seat 852. Thus,the valve stem 854 and the valve seat 852 illustrated herein are merelyexemplary. The valve stem 854 is received within the valve seat 852 andis movable relative to the valve seat 852 and the wall 822 a. Generally,the valve stem 854 is sized so as to extend outwardly from the valveseat 852 and the wall 822 a, such that a portion of the valve stem 854extends into the reservoir chamber 822. By extending into the reservoirchamber 822, the fluid reservoir 156 contacts the valve stem 854 uponinsertion to move the valve stem 854 between a first, closed position(FIG. 17) and a second, opened position (FIG. 18). In the first, closedposition, no airflow path exists between the reservoir chamber 822 andthe housing 106. In the second, opened position, an airflow path existsfrom the reservoir chamber 822, through the bore 848, the bore 858 andinto the pump chamber 106 a of the housing 106.

The biasing member 856 is coupled to the valve stem 854 and the wall 822a. In one example, the biasing member 856 comprises a leaf spring, whichincludes a first end 860 and a second end 862. In this example, thefirst end 860 contacts the valve stem 854 and biases the valve stem 854into the first, closed position. The second end 862 is fixedly mountedto the wall 822 a. In this example, the second end 862 includes a bore862 a for receipt of a suitable coupling device, such as a mechanicalfastener 864. It should be noted that the biasing member 856 can becoupled to the wall 822 a through any suitable technique, and thus, theuse of the mechanical fastener 864 is merely exemplary. Moreover, itshould be noted that nay suitable biasing member could be employed tobias the valve stem 854 into the first, closed position, and thus, theuse of a leaf spring is merely exemplary.

Upon insertion of the fluid reservoir 156 into the reservoir chamber822, the fluid reservoir 156 contacts the valve stem 854 (FIG. 18). Asthe fluid reservoir 156 is moved into a final position in the reservoirchamber 822, the force of the insertion of the fluid reservoir 156 inthe reservoir chamber 822 overcomes the force of the biasing member 856and the valve stem 854 moves from the first, closed position (FIG. 17)to the second, opened position (FIG. 18). In the second, openedposition, an airflow path between the reservoir chamber 822 and the pumpchamber 106 a of the housing 106 is created, thereby allowing theventing of air from the reservoir chamber 822. Once the fluid reservoir156 is removed from the reservoir chamber 822, the biasing member 856moves the valve stem 854 from the second, opened position to the first,closed position. Thus, the pressure management system 820 manages thepressure within the reservoir chamber 822 by enabling the venting of airfrom the reservoir chamber 822 through the bore 848 and bore 858 uponinsertion of the fluid reservoir 156.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subjectmatter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should beunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by theclaims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents atthe time of filing this patent application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid infusion device, comprising: a housinghaving a reservoir chamber that receives a fluid reservoir and a pumpchamber; a drive system contained within the pump chamber of the housingand a slide of the drive system is movable relative to the fluidreservoir for dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir; a seal disposedbetween the reservoir chamber and the pump chamber that defines anopening and the slide is movable relative to the seal through theopening; and a pressure management system at least partially defined inthe slide of the drive system, the pressure management system includingat least one air conduit that cooperates with the opening of the seal tovent air from the reservoir chamber into the pump chamber.
 2. The fluidinfusion device of claim 1, wherein the at least one air conduitcomprises at least one dimple defined in the slide and the movement ofthe slide relative to the opening creates an airflow path to vent thereservoir chamber.
 3. The fluid infusion device of claim 2, wherein theat least one dimple comprises a plurality of dimples defined in anexterior surface of the slide so as to be spaced apart along alongitudinal axis of the slide.
 4. The fluid infusion device of claim 1,wherein the at least one air conduit comprises at least one slot definedin the slide and the movement of the slide relative to the openingcreates an airflow path to vent air from the reservoir chamber.
 5. Thefluid infusion device of claim 4, wherein the at least one slotcomprises a plurality of slots defined in an exterior surface of theslide so as to be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the slide.6. The fluid infusion device of claim 1, further comprising the fluidreservoir and a connector body coupled to the housing and the fluidreservoir to define a fluid path from the housing, the connector bodyincluding one or more vents to vent air from the chamber.
 7. The fluidinfusion device of claim 1, wherein the fluid infusion device is aninsulin infusion device.
 8. A fluid infusion device, comprising: ahousing having a reservoir chamber and a pump chamber; a fluid reservoircontained within the reservoir chamber of the housing; a connector bodycoupled to the housing and the fluid reservoir to define a fluid flowpath out of the housing, the connector body including one or more ventsto vent air from the reservoir chamber; a drive system contained withinthe pump chamber of the housing and coupled to the fluid reservoir, thedrive system including a slide movable relative to the fluid reservoirto dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir; a seal disposed between thereservoir chamber and the pump chamber that defines an opening and theslide is movable relative to the seal through the opening; and apressure management system at least partially defined in the slide ofthe drive system, the pressure management system including at least oneair conduit that cooperates with the opening of the seal to vent airfrom the reservoir chamber into the pump chamber.
 9. The fluid infusiondevice of claim 8, wherein the at least one air conduit comprises aplurality of recesses defined in an exterior surface of the slide so asto be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the slide.
 10. The fluidinfusion device of claim 8, wherein the at least one air conduitcomprises a plurality of slots defined in an exterior surface of theslide so as to be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the slide.11. The fluid infusion device of claim 8, wherein the fluid infusiondevice is an insulin infusion device.